Ascaroside treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis

ABSTRACT

A method of preventing or treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) comprising administering a composition comprising ascr#7 is described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national-stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2017/048672, filed Aug. 25, 2017, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/379,651, filed Aug. 25, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune and antigen-mediated disease that is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration into the tissue of the esophagus, resulting in difficulty swallowing, food impaction, regurgitation or vomiting, and decreased appetite. It is defined by the symptoms as well as the finding of a high number of eosinophils found in the esophageal tissue through endoscopic biopsy (eosinophils are not normally found in the esophagus). Currently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment of EoE. Rather, there is a trial-and-error approach of different classes of treatment, ranging from food elimination, off-label steroid use, and surgical intervention. Between 40-50% of patients do not respond to first line treatments, lending great need for new therapeutic strategies.

SUMMARY

EoE is a multifaceted disease that manifests characteristics of both autoimmune disease and allergic inflammation. In performing biopsies on both EoE and control patients, and looking for significant differences in signaling molecules between these groups, researchers have found that IL-6 is among the most elevated signaling molecules in EoE biopsies. IL-1β levels are also increased in EoE patients.

The inventors hereof have found that one of the ascarosides, ascr#7, markedly reduces IL-6 and IL-1β levels in an in-vitro model of immune activation. Presumably, at least in part by modulating these signaling molecules, ascr#7 also inhibits hallmark pathologies in a mouse model of the gastrointestinal autoimmune disease (inflammatory bowel disease) and a mouse model of eosinophilic allergic disease (asthma). These findings support the use of ascr#7 for treating EoE by virtue of its therapeutic effect in diseases where elevated levels of IL-6 and/or IL-1β contribute to the diseases' pathogeneses.

In some aspects, the invention provides a method of preventing, alleviating, or treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in a subject. The method comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

Numerous embodiments are described that can be applied to any aspect of the present invention and/or combined with any other embodiment described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the subject has an elevated level of IL-6 and/or IL-1β. In some other embodiments, IL-6 and/or IL-1β contribute to one or more symptoms of the disease. In such embodiments, the method may comprise assessing the level of IL-6 and/or IL-1β in an affected tissue of the subject and, if the level exceeds 200% of a normal level in the affected tissue, administering ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering an agent with an anti-inflammatory effect, such as a corticosteroid or a proton pump inhibitor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering a corticosteroid to the subject. In some embodiments, the corticosteroid is selected from aldosterone, betamethasone, budesonide, corticosterone, cortisol, cortisone, dexamethasone, fluticasone (e.g., fluticasone propionate), hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone.

In some embodiments, the proton pump inhibitor is selected from dexlanoproazole, esomeprazole, ilaprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. In some other embodiments, the method further comprises administering losartan to the subject. Losartan has the following structural formula:

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a dietary therapy, e.g., elemental diets, directed elimination diets, or non-directed, empirical elimination diets. In some embodiments, the elimination diet is a six-food elimination diet. In some embodiments, the elimination diet eliminates milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts/tree nuts, and seafood from the subject's diet.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises dilation of the esophagus. Esophageal dilation can be performed using either through-the-scope balloons or wire-guided bougies.

In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising ascr#7, and further comprises one or more of administering a corticosteroid to the subject, administering losartan to the subject, a dietary therapy, and/or dilation of the esophagus.

In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the mammal is a mouse or a human. In certain preferred embodiments, the mammal is a human.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows that ascr#7 diminishes IL-6 production by testing dendritic cells in an in vitro assay.

FIG. 2 shows that ascr#7 diminishes IL-1β production by testing dendritic cells in an in vitro assay.

FIG. 3A shows a diagram of a mouse in a respiratory chamber.

FIG. 3B — FIG. 3F show that ascr#7 prevents hallmark pathologies of asthma. FIG. 3D shows that ascr#7 diminishes resistance to air flow in a mouse model of asthma.

FIG. 3G shows that ascr#7 decreases the inflammatory buildup, airway restriction, and mucus secretion based on the staining of the histological sections of lungs.

FIG. 4 shows that ascr#7 markedly reduces colon shortening and diarrhea in an immune dysregulation model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The inset shows a diagram of the colon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions

For convenience, certain terms employed in the specification, and appended claims are collected here.

The term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer (or components) or group of integers (or components), but not the exclusion of any other integer (or components) or group of integers (or components).

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plurals unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to.” “Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.

The terms “subject” refer to either a human or a non-human animal. This term includes mammals such as humans, primates, livestock animals (e.g., bovines, porcines), companion animals (e.g., canines, felines) and rodents (e.g., mice, rabbits and rats).

“About” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Typically, exemplary degrees of error are within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range of values. Alternatively, and particularly in biological systems, the terms “about” and “approximately” may mean values that are within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold and more preferably within 2-fold of a given value. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

The term “prodrug” is intended to encompass compounds which, under physiologic conditions, are converted into the therapeutically active agents of the present invention (e.g., ascr#7). A common method for making a prodrug is to include one or more selected moieties which are hydrolyzed under physiologic conditions to reveal the desired molecule. In other embodiments, the prodrug is converted by an enzymatic activity of the subject. For example, esters or carbonates (e.g., esters or carbonates of alcohols or carboxylic acids) are preferred prodrugs of the present invention. In certain embodiments, some or all of the compounds of the present invention (e.g., ascr#7) in a formulation represented above can be replaced with the corresponding suitable prodrug, e.g., wherein a hydroxyl in the parent compound is presented as an ester or a carbonate or carboxylic acid present in the parent compound is presented as an ester.

The term “treating” includes prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments. The term “prophylactic or therapeutic” treatment is art-recognized and includes administration to the host of one or more of the subject compositions. If it is administered prior to clinical manifestation of the unwanted condition (e.g., disease or other unwanted state of the host animal) then the treatment is prophylactic (i.e., it protects the host against developing the unwanted condition), whereas if it is administered after manifestation of the unwanted condition, the treatment is therapeutic, (i.e., it is intended to diminish, alleviate, ameliorate, or stabilize the existing unwanted condition or side effects thereof).

As used herein, a therapeutic that “prevents” a disorder or condition refers to a compound that, in a statistical sample, reduces the occurrence of the disorder or condition in the treated sample relative to an untreated control sample, or delays the onset or reduces the severity of one or more symptoms of the disorder or condition relative to the untreated control sample.

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in this application shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, nomenclature and techniques relating to chemistry, molecular biology, cell and cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and protein and nucleic acid chemistry, described herein, are those well-known and commonly used in the art.

II. Compositions

Ascr#7

Ascr#7 is an ascaroside produced by a nematode, e.g., Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

Ascr#7 has the structure:

The compositions and methods disclosed herein may use any suitable form, prodrug, and/or salt of ascr#7 that exhibits the desired therapeutic effects in subjects.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The compositions and methods of the present invention may be utilized to treat a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the subject is a mammal such as a human, or a non-human mammal. When administered to an animal, such as a human, the composition or the compound is preferably administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising, for example, a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well known in the art and include, for example, aqueous solutions such as water or physiologically buffered saline or other solvents or vehicles such as glycols, glycerol, oils such as olive oil, or injectable organic esters. In a preferred embodiment, when such pharmaceutical compositions are for human administration, particularly for invasive routes of administration (i.e., routes, such as injection or implantation, that circumvent transport or diffusion through an epithelial barrier), the aqueous solution is pyrogen-free, or substantially pyrogen-free. The excipients can be chosen, for example, to effect delayed release of an agent or to selectively target one or more cells, tissues or organs. The pharmaceutical composition can be in dosage unit form such as tablet, capsule (including sprinkle capsule and gelatin capsule), granule, lyophile for reconstitution, powder, solution, syrup, suppository, injection or the like. The composition can also be present in a transdermal delivery system, e.g., a skin patch. The composition can also be present in a solution suitable for topical administration, such as an eye drop.

A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can contain physiologically acceptable agents that act, for example, to stabilize, increase solubility or to increase the absorption of a compound such as a compound of the invention. Such physiologically acceptable agents include, for example, carbohydrates, such as glucose, sucrose or dextrans, antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid or glutathione, chelating agents, low molecular weight proteins or other stabilizers or excipients. The choice of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, including a physiologically acceptable agent, depends, for example, on the route of administration of the composition. The preparation or pharmaceutical composition can be a self-emulsifying drug delivery system or a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system. The pharmaceutical composition (preparation) also can be a liposome or other polymer matrix, which can have incorporated therein, for example, a compound of the invention. Liposomes, for example, which comprise phospholipids or other lipids, are nontoxic, physiologically acceptable and metabolizable carriers that are relatively simple to make and administer.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of a subject without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” as used herein means a pharmaceutically acceptable material, composition or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, solvent, encapsulating material, or slurry as described below. Each carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the subject. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include: (1) sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; (2) starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; (3) cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; (4) powdered tragacanth; (5) malt; (6) gelatin; (7) talc; (8) excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; (9) oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; (10) glycols, such as propylene glycol; (11) polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; (12) esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; (13) agar; (14) buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; (15) alginic acid; (16) pyrogen-free water; (17) isotonic saline; (18) Ringer's solution; (19) ethyl alcohol; (20) phosphate buffer solutions; and (21) other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any methods well known in the art of pharmacy. The amount of active ingredient which can be combined with a carrier material to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the subject being treated, the particular mode of administration. The amount of active ingredient that can be combined with a carrier material to produce a single dosage form will generally be that amount of the compound which produces a therapeutic effect. Generally, out of one hundred percent, this amount will range from about 1 percent to about ninety-nine percent of active ingredient, preferably from about 5 percent to about 70 percent, most preferably from about 10 percent to about 30 percent.

Methods of preparing these formulations or compositions include the step of bringing into association an active compound, such as a compound of the invention, with the carrier and, optionally, one or more accessory ingredients. In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association a compound of the present invention with liquid carriers, or finely divided solid carriers, or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

Formulations of the invention suitable for oral administration may be in the form of capsules (including sprinkle capsules and gelatin capsules), cachets, pills, tablets, lozenges (using a flavored basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth), lyophile, powders, granules, or as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion, or as an elixir or syrup, or as pastilles (using an inert base, such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia) and/or as mouth washes and the like, each containing a predetermined amount of a compound of the present invention as an active ingredient. Compositions or compounds may also be administered as a bolus, electuary or paste.

To prepare solid dosage forms for oral administration (capsules (including sprinkle capsules and gelatin capsules), tablets, pills, dragees, powders, granules and the like), the active ingredient is mixed with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate, and/or any of the following: (1) fillers or extenders, such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and/or silicic acid; (2) binders, such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sucrose and/or acacia; (3) humectants, such as glycerol; (4) disintegrating agents, such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate; (5) solution retarding agents, such as paraffin; (6) absorption accelerators, such as quaternary ammonium compounds; (7) wetting agents, such as, for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate; (8) absorbents, such as kaolin and bentonite clay; (9) lubricants, such a talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof; (10) complexing agents, such as, modified and unmodified cyclodextrins; and (11) coloring agents. In the case of capsules (including sprinkle capsules and gelatin capsules), tablets and pills, the pharmaceutical compositions may also comprise buffering agents. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugars, as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like.

A tablet may be made by compression or molding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared using binder (for example, gelatin or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), lubricant, inert diluent, preservative, disintegrant (for example, sodium starch glycolate or cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), surface-active or dispersing agent. Molded tablets may be made by molding in a suitable machine a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent.

The tablets, and other solid dosage forms of the pharmaceutical compositions, such as dragees, capsules (including sprinkle capsules and gelatin capsules), pills and granules, may optionally be scored or prepared with coatings and shells, such as enteric coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical-formulating art. They may also be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredient therein using, for example, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose in varying proportions to provide the desired release profile, other polymer matrices, liposomes and/or microspheres. They may be sterilized by, for example, filtration through a bacteria-retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions that can be dissolved in sterile water, or some other sterile injectable medium immediately before use. These compositions may also optionally contain opacifying agents and may be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain portion of the gastrointestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes. The active ingredient can also be in micro-encapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of the above-described excipients.

Liquid dosage forms useful for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, lyophiles for reconstitution, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the active ingredient, the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as, for example, water or other solvents, cyclodextrins and derivatives thereof, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers, such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof.

Besides inert diluents, the oral compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, coloring, perfuming and preservative agents.

Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, may contain suspending agents as, for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar and tragacanth, and mixtures thereof.

Formulations of the pharmaceutical compositions for administration to the mouth may be presented as a mouthwash, or an oral spray, or an oral ointment.

Alternatively or additionally, compositions can be formulated for delivery via a catheter, stent, wire, or other intraluminal device. Delivery via such devices may be especially useful for delivery to the bladder, urethra, ureter, rectum, or intestine.

Formulations which are suitable for vaginal administration also include pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations containing such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate.

Dosage forms for the topical or transdermal administration include powders, sprays, ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, solutions, patches and inhalants. The active compound may be mixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and with any preservatives, buffers, or propellants that may be required.

The ointments, pastes, creams and gels may contain, in addition to an active compound, excipients, such as animal and vegetable fats, oils, waxes, paraffins, starch, tragacanth, cellulose derivatives, polyethylene glycols, silicones, bentonites, silicic acid, talc and zinc oxide, or mixtures thereof.

Powders and sprays can contain, in addition to an active compound, excipients such as lactose, talc, silicic acid, aluminum hydroxide, calcium silicates and polyamide powder, or mixtures of these substances. Sprays can additionally contain customary propellants, such as chlorofluorohydrocarbons and volatile unsubstituted hydrocarbons, such as butane and propane.

Transdermal patches have the added advantage of providing controlled delivery of a compound of the present invention to the body. Such dosage forms can be made by dissolving or dispersing the active compound in the proper medium. Absorption enhancers can also be used to increase the flux of the compound across the skin. The rate of such flux can be controlled by either providing a rate controlling membrane or dispersing the compound in a polymer matrix or gel.

Ophthalmic formulations, eye ointments, powders, solutions and the like, are also contemplated as being within the scope of this invention. Exemplary ophthalmic formulations are described in U.S. Publication Nos. 2005/0080056, 2005/0059744, 2005/0031697 and 2005/004074 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,124, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. If desired, liquid ophthalmic formulations have properties similar to that of lacrimal fluids, aqueous humor or vitreous humor or are compatable with such fluids. A preferred route of administration is local administration (e.g., topical administration, such as eye drops, or administration via an implant).

The phrases “parenteral administration” and “administered parenterally” as used herein means modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and includes, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal and intrasternal injection and infusion.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration comprise one or more active compounds in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable sterile isotonic aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions, or sterile powders which may be reconstituted into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions just prior to use, which may contain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient or suspending or thickening agents.

Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers that may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include water, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils, such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters, such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.

These compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents and dispersing agents. Prevention of the action of microorganisms may be ensured by the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, such as sugars, sodium chloride, and the like into the compositions. In addition, prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form may be brought about by the inclusion of agents that delay absorption such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

In some cases, in order to prolong the effect of a drug, it is desirable to slow the absorption of the drug from subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension of crystalline or amorphous material having poor water solubility. The rate of absorption of the drug then depends upon its rate of dissolution, which, in turn, may depend upon crystal size and crystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption of a parenterally administered drug form is accomplished by dissolving or suspending the drug in an oil vehicle.

Injectable depot forms are made by forming microencapsulated matrices of the subject compounds in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide. Depending on the ratio of drug to polymer, and the nature of the particular polymer employed, the rate of drug release can be controlled. Examples of other biodegradable polymers include poly(orthoesters) and poly(anhydrides). Depot injectable formulations are also prepared by entrapping the drug in liposomes or microemulsions that are compatible with body tissue.

For use in the methods of this invention, active compounds can be given per se or as a pharmaceutical composition containing, for example, 0.1 to 99.5% (more preferably, 0.5 to 90%) of active ingredient in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Methods of introduction may also be provided by rechargeable or biodegradable devices. Various slow release polymeric devices have been developed and tested in vivo in recent years for the controlled delivery of drugs, including proteinacious biopharmaceuticals. A variety of biocompatible polymers (including hydrogels), including both biodegradable and non-degradable polymers, can be used to form an implant for the sustained release of a compound at a particular target site.

Actual dosage levels of the active ingredients in the pharmaceutical compositions may be varied so as to obtain an amount of the active ingredient that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a particular patient, composition, and mode of administration, without being toxic to the patient.

The selected dosage level will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the particular compound or combination of compounds employed, or the ester, salt or amide thereof, the route of administration, the time of administration, the rate of excretion of the particular compound(s) being employed, the duration of the treatment, other drugs, compounds and/or materials used in combination with the particular compound(s) employed, the age, sex, weight, condition, general health and prior medical history of the subject being treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts.

A physician or veterinarian having ordinary skill in the art can readily determine and prescribe the therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition required. For example, the physician or veterinarian could start doses of the pharmaceutical composition or compound at levels lower than that required in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. By “therapeutically effective amount” is meant the concentration of a compound that is sufficient to elicit the desired therapeutic effect. It is generally understood that the effective amount of the compound will vary according to the weight, sex, age, and medical history of the subject. Other factors which influence the effective amount may include, but are not limited to, the severity of the subject's condition, the disorder being treated, the stability of the compound, and, if desired, another type of therapeutic agent being administered with the compound of the invention. A larger total dose can be delivered by multiple administrations of the agent. Methods to determine efficacy and dosage are known to those skilled in the art (Isselbacher et al. (1996) Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 13 ed., 1814-1882, herein incorporated by reference).

In general, a suitable daily dose of an active compound used in the compositions and methods of the invention will be that amount of the compound that is the lowest dose effective to produce a therapeutic effect. Such an effective dose will generally depend upon the factors described above.

If desired, the effective daily dose of the active compound may be administered as one, two, three, four, five, six or more sub-doses administered separately at appropriate intervals throughout the day, optionally, in unit dosage forms. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the active compound may be administered two or three times daily. In preferred embodiments, the active compound will be administered once daily.

The subject receiving this treatment is any animal in need, including primates, in particular humans, and other mammals such as equines, cattle, swine and sheep; and poultry and pets in general.

In certain embodiments, compounds of the invention may be used alone or conjointly administered with another type of therapeutic agent. As used herein, the phrase “conjoint administration” refers to any form of administration of two or more different therapeutic compounds such that the second compound is administered while the previously administered therapeutic compound is still effective in the body (e.g., the two compounds are simultaneously effective in the subject, which may include synergistic effects of the two compounds). For example, the different therapeutic compounds can be administered either in the same formulation or in a separate formulation, either concomitantly or sequentially. In certain embodiments, the different therapeutic compounds can be administered within one hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or a week of one another. Thus, a subject who receives such treatment can benefit from a combined effect of different therapeutic compounds.

This invention includes the use of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of the invention in the compositions and methods of the present invention. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” as used herein includes salts derived from inorganic or organic acids including, for example, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, perchloric, phosphoric, formic, acetic, lactic, maleic, fumaric, succinic, tartaric, glycolic, salicylic, citric, methanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, malonic, trifluoroacetic, trichloroacetic, naphthalene-2-sulfonic, and other acids.

In further embodiments, contemplated salts of the invention include, but are not limited to, alkyl, dialkyl, trialkyl or tetra-alkyl ammonium salts. In certain embodiments, contemplated salts of the invention include, but are not limited to, L-arginine, benenthamine, benzathine, betaine, calcium hydroxide, choline, deanol, diethanolamine, diethylamine, 2-(diethylamino)ethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine, hydrabamine, 1H-imidazole, lithium, L-lysine, magnesium, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine, piperazine, potassium, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyrrolidine, sodium, triethanolamine, tromethamine, and zinc salts. In certain embodiments, contemplated salts of the invention include, but are not limited to, Na, Ca, K, Mg, Zn or other metal salts. Pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms can include forms wherein the ratio of molecules comprising the salt is not 1:1. For example, the salt may comprise more than one ascr#7 molecule per molecule of base, such as two ascr#7 molecules per molecule of compound of base. As another example, the salt may comprise less than one ascr#7 molecule per molecule of base, such as two molecules of ascr#7 per molecule of lysine, or per atom of magnesium or zinc.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can also exist as various solvates, such as with water, methanol, ethanol, dimethylformamide, and the like. Mixtures of such solvates can also be prepared. The source of such solvate can be from the solvent of crystallization, inherent in the solvent of preparation or crystallization, or adventitious to such solvent.

Wetting agents, emulsifiers and lubricants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, release agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the compositions.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidants include: (1) water-soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite and the like; (2) oil-soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, alpha-tocopherol, and the like; and (3) metal-chelating agents, such as citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.

III. Indications

In certain aspects, the invention provides methods of preventing, alleviating, or treating EoE in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or prodrug thereof.

In certain aspects, the invention provides use of ascr#7 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of EoE.

Elevated levels of IL-6 and/or IL-1β have been found in patients with various diseases, and studies have shown that IL-6 and/or IL-1β contribute to these diseases' pathogeneses. For example, IL-6 level was significantly elevated (281.5 pg/ml in the new/active EoE patient group compared to 16.2 pg/ml in the control group) in biopsy culture supernatant from esophageal samples from patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (Sayej et al. Clinical & Translational Immunology 2016; 5:25-36). The average serum IL-6 level in the EoE patients is also at least two-fold higher than the level in the healthy controls (Blanchard et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011; 127(1):208-17). In addition, the IL-1β gene was also significantly elevated (about 7-fold using microarray analysis and about 5.5-fold using real-time PCR) in biopsies from esophageal samples from patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (Blanchard et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011; 127(1):208-17).

In some embodiments, the IL-6- and/or IL-1β-mediated disease is EoE.

IV. Subjects

The subject may be a mammal. The subject may be a rodent, lagomorph, feline, canine, porcine, ovine, bovine, equine, or primate. In some embodiments, the subject is a human. The subject may be a female or male. The subject may be an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. In some embodiments, the subject has an elevated level of IL-6 and/or IL-1β.

V. Routes of Administration

A pharmaceutical composition (preparation) can be administered to a subject by any of a number of routes of administration including, for example, orally (for example, drenches as in aqueous or non-aqueous solutions or suspensions, tablets, capsules (including sprinkle capsules and gelatin capsules), boluses, powders, granules, pastes for application to the tongue); absorption through the oral mucosa (e.g., sublingually); anally, rectally or vaginally (for example, as a pessary, cream or foam); parenterally (including intramuscularly, intravenously, subcutaneously or intrathecally as, for example, a sterile solution or suspension); nasally; intraperitoneally; subcutaneously; transdermally (for example as a patch applied to the skin); and topically (for example, as a cream, ointment or spray applied to the skin, or as an eye drop). The compound may also be formulated for inhalation.

In some embodiments, the compound may be delivered orally in a slurry to coat the throat. In some embodiments, the slurry is formed by mixing the compound with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In some embodiments, the slurry comprises the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, for example, sucralose, syrup, honey, applesauce, RINCINOL® (topical adherent), Neocate Nutra, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the slurry comprises the compound and sucralose. In some embodiments, the slurry further comprises an agent with an anti-inflammatory effect. In some embodiments of the slurries disclosed herein, the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a corticosteroid (e.g., aldosterone, betamethasone, budesonide, corticosterone, cortisol, cortisone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone). In some embodiments of the slurries disclosed herein, the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., dexlanoproazole, esomeprazole, ilaprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole). In some embodiments, the slurry further comprises losartan.

In certain embodiments, a compound may be simply dissolved or suspended in sterile water.

Details of appropriate routes of administration and compositions suitable for same can be found in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,110,973, 5,731,000, 5,541,231, 5,427,798, 5,358,970 and 4,172,896, as well as in patents cited therein.

One of skill in the art would appreciate that a method of administering a therapeutically effective substance formulation or composition of the disclosure would depend on factors such as the age, weight, and physical condition of the subject being treated, and the disease or condition being treated. The skilled worker would, thus, be able to select a method of administration optimal for a subject on a case-by-case basis.

The invention now being generally described, it will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples, which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention. As such, it will be readily apparent that any of the disclosed beneficial substances and therapies can be substituted within the scope of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLES

As described above, EoE is a multifaceted disease that manifests characteristics of both autoimmune disease and allergic disease. Like patients with the gastrointestinal autoimmune disease, IBD, EoE patients experience dysregulation of the gastrointestinal lumen and mucosal barrier. The signaling molecules IL-6 and IL-1β both promote intestinal pathology in IBD. EoE also shares features with the allergic disorder, asthma, in that patients have increased eosinophils in affected tissues and have increased mucus production. IL-6 and IL-1β also both play an active role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

The Examples demonstrate that ascr#7 significantly reduced levels of both IL-6 and IL-1β in an in-vitro model of inflammation. They further demonstrate that ascr#7 profoundly diminished disease progression in both a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as a mouse model of asthma.

Example 1

Ascr#7 significantly reduces both IL-6 and IL-1β secretion in an in vitro model of inflammation. Specifically, ascr#7 reduces IL-6 and IL-1β in a stimulated culture of bone marrow-derived mouse dendritic cells.

a. Generation of Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells

Bone marrow was extracted from femurs of C57BL/6 mice (6-12 weeks of age). These mice were euthanized by CO₂ inhalation and their femurs were removed. After removing the remaining flesh from the bone, they were cut at the metaphysis. Bone marrow was flushed out using a syringe filled with RPMI. The extracted marrow was further broken down by resuspension with syringe. The mixture was centrifuged and the pellet was re-suspended in RPMI. Cells from the bone marrow were seeded in 6 wells such that each well had a density of 10⁶ cells/ml. 20 ng of GM-CSF was added to each well. At day 3, and every 3 days thereafter, the media was replaced. Cells were used for experiments between day 7-9.

b. Stimulation of Dendritic Cells: Testing the Effect of Ascr#7

Bone marrow dendritic cells were collected between day 7-9 of culture. Cells were washed twice and counted. Ascr#7 in water or RPMI were placed in corresponding wells, and are allowed to dry. 10⁶ cells were then plated in each well in a 24 well culture plate. Cells were left to incubate with ascr#7 for 5 minutes. Following the brief incubation, different TNFα was added to the wells. These bone marrow dendritic cells were then cultured at 37° C. for 18-72 hours. Cells were collected via the pellet generated by centrifuge. The supernatant was also preserved. EBioscience ELISA kits was used to determine the concentration of different cytokines present in each well. Results are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

The left side of FIG. 1 shows that the dendritic cells, when not stimulated with TNF-α, have very low levels of IL-6, and that this remains true with administration of different concentrations of ascr#7. The right side of FIG. 1 shows that dendritic cells, when stimulated with TNF-α, has very high levels of secreted IL-6 and that administration of different concentrations of ascr#7 reduces these levels significantly. The left side of FIG. 2 shows that the dendritic cells, when not stimulated with TNF-α, have very low levels of IL-1β, and that this remains true with administration of different concentrations of ascr#7. The right side of FIG. 2 shows that dendritic cells, when stimulated with TNF-α, has very high levels of secreted IL-β and that administration of different concentrations of ascr#7 reduces these levels significantly.

Example 2

Ascr#7 reduces the trademark disease pathologies in a mouse model of asthma. Specifically, ascr#7 reduces the development of eosinophilia, goblet cell metaplasia, and airway hyper-reactivity in the ovalbumin model of murine asthma.

Adult C57BL/6 mice were sensitized by administering 2 ug OVA (Sigma-Aldrich) and 1 mg alum (Thermo) with 50ng ascr#7 or saline, via intraperitoneal injection, on Day 0 and 14. On day 24, the mice were challenged with intranasal administration of saline containing 100 μg OVA, under isoflurane anesthesia. Histologic sections were stained with H&E or PAS to score for eosinophilia, goblet cell metaplasia, and airway hyper-reactivity. Mice were also placed in a computer controlled small animal ventilator (SCIREQ) to score for airway hyper-reactivity following methacholine challenge. Results are shown in FIG. 3B-FIG. 3G. FIG. 3A shows a diagram of a mouse in a respiratory chamber, which has been calibrated to calculate the resistance of air flow as the animal breathes. Animals with asthma have higher resistance of flow, which would be represented as higher “RL” values in FIG. 3B-FIG. 3F. FIG. 3B-FIG. 3F show that asthmatic mice, here labeled “Asthma”, have higher resistance of air flow, whereas a normal mouse, here labeled “Normal” has low resistance of air flow. Asthmatic mice that have been administered ascr#7 demonstrate low resistance of air flow, with comparable levels to normal mice. Lungs were collected, postmortem, and then sectioned and stained to show the presence of eosinophils and mucus. These findings are shown in FIG. 3G. In FIG. 3G, the normal mouse lung, here labeled “Normal Lung Section” shows thin boundaries between the central bronchioles and the surrounding alveoli, wherein the thin membranes allow for oxygen to easily diffuse. In FIG. 3G, the asthmatic mouse lung, here labeled “Asthma” has a large number of mucus and eosinophils that surround the bronchioles and occupy the alveolar space; wherein the thick barriers would prohibit oxygen from easily diffusing. In FIG. 3G, the lung of asthmatic mice that were administered ascr#7 has thin boundaries between the bronchioles and the alveolar space, comparable to the normal mice. This demonstrates that ascr#7 reduces the trademark pathologies found in asthmatic mice, specifically resistance to air flow and its associated histopathologies.

Example 3

Ascr#7 reduces the signature disease pathologies in a mouse model of IBD. Specifically, ascr#7 markedly reduces the development of colon shortening, abnormal lumen dilation, and diarrhea in an immune dysregulation model of inflammatory bowel disease.

A T cell transfer model of colitis where 10⁶ CD4+ T cells were transferred to adult Rag −/− mice was used, and either saline or 300 ng ascr#7 were administered via intraperitoneal injection every 3 days between day 14 and day 28. On day 28, the mice were euthanized and colon analysis was performed. n=3 mice per group. Results are shown in FIG. 4. The inset shows a diagram of the colon. FIG. 4 shows the normal tissue architecture of a dissected caecum and colon. The normal mouse colon is long, skinny, and has discrete fecal pellets. The diseased mouse colon, with IBD, has a shortened, dilated colon, with diarrhea instead of discrete fecal pellets. The colon of a mouse with IBD, which has been administered ascr#7 has a normal appearing colon, which is long, skinny, and contains discrete fecal pellets.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE AND VARIATION

All patent applications, publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of conflict, the present specification, including its specific definitions, will control.

While specific aspects of the subject matter have been discussed, the above specification is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification and the claims below. The full scope of the disclosure should be determined by reference to the claims, along with their full scope of equivalents, and the specification, along with such variations. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preventing, alleviating, or treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or prodrug thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering an agent with an anti-inflammatory effect to the subject.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a corticosteroid or a proton pump inhibitor.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a corticosteroid; and the corticosteroid is selected from aldosterone, betamethasone, budesonide, corticosterone, cortisol, cortisone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a proton pump inhibitor; and the proton pump inhibitor is selected from dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, ilaprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering losartan to the subject.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering to the subject a dietary therapy, wherein the dietary therapy comprises an elemental diet, directed elimination diet, or non-directed, empirical elimination diet.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising dilation of the esophagus.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is a slurry comprising ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or prodrug thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is selected from sucralose, syrup, honey, applesauce, and topical adherent, or a mixture thereof.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising administering an agent with an anti-inflammatory effect to the subject.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a corticosteroid or a proton pump inhibitor.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a corticosteroid; and the corticosteroid is selected from aldosterone, betamethasone, budesonide, corticosterone, cortisol, cortisone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the agent with an anti-inflammatory effect is a proton pump inhibitor; and the proton pump inhibitor is selected from dexlanoproazole, esomeprazole, ilaprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole.
 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising administering losartan to the subject.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is a method of alleviating or treating EoE.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is a method of alleviating or treating EoE comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising administering an agent with an anti- inflammatory effect to the subject.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is a slurry comprising ascr#7 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 